If you’re craving something that combines the comfort of a classic breakfast with a fun little twist, the Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These golden, cheesy, and perfectly savory rolls bring together melty cheese, savory ham, and fluffy French toast in a handheld delight. They are quick to whip up, wonderfully satisfying, and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a cozy morning treat, this recipe hits all the right notes with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to make these delicious roll ups. Each component plays a key role—fresh bread gives you that perfect soft yet sturdy base, cheese adds creamy meltiness, and ham brings a salty punch that complements the eggy coating beautifully.
- Fresh sandwich bread (6 slices): White bread works wonderfully, but feel free to use wholemeal or wholegrain for a hearty twist.
- Melting cheese (3 slices): Choose cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella that melt smoothly for that ooey-gooey goodness.
- Butter (1 tbsp): This adds a rich flavor while ensuring the roll ups brown to perfection in the pan.
- Large egg (1): Binds the roll ups together and helps create the classic French toast crust.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Full cream or low fat, it lightens the egg mixture for that fluffy, golden coating.
- Ham slices (2 small, around 50g): Provides a savory, meaty contrast to the sweet and cheesy flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
This step is all about creating a flat canvas for rolling. Lightly trim the crusts off your bread if you prefer a softer texture — it’s optional but helps the roll ups seal better and look neater.
Step 2: Flatten with a Rolling Pin
Gently press each slice flat using a rolling pin until it’s thin enough to roll easily without tearing. This ensures your roll ups will be pliable and wrap tightly around the fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Ham
Place thin strips of ham along one edge of each flattened slice. If needed, trim the ham strips so they fit neatly, making sure every bite will have a balanced ham-to-cheese ratio.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Top your ham with two slices of your selected melting cheese or a generous handful of grated cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully during cooking, binding everything inside.
Step 5: Roll Them Up
Starting from the ham side, roll the bread tightly, tucking in the fillings. Finish with the seam side down to keep your roll ups from unraveling during cooking.
Step 6: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This mixture is what gives the roll ups that classic French toast flavor and golden color.
Step 7: Heat the Butter
Warm butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The butter should melt and bubble but not burn, creating the perfect base to brown your roll ups.
Step 8: Dip and Coat
Roll each puffed bread roll in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. The egg bath is crucial for that delightful, crisp exterior.
Step 9: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the coated roll ups in the pan and cook for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then turn 90 degrees. Repeat this turning process two more times so all four sides brown evenly, forming a delightful crispy crust all around.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
Once browned and melty inside, take them off the heat and serve right away for the best texture and flavor. These roll ups are absolute perfection when enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness. For a little extra comfort, a light dusting of paprika or pepper gives a subtle kick that complements the cheesy, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll ups with a fresh fruit salad or crispy hash browns to round out your meal. A mixed green salad can also be a great balance if you’re aiming for a lighter lunch or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups Recipe stacked on a colorful platter with some dipping sauces on the side like honey mustard or a smooth tomato chutney. Cut them diagonally to showcase the swirl of ham and cheese inside — they’re totally Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover roll ups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep them tightly sealed to preserve moisture but maintain crispness when reheated.
Freezing
Wrap each roll up individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to one month, making them a handy breakfast or snack option for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed roll ups in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delicious crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack work wonderfully. Just make sure you choose a cheese that melts well for that perfect gooey texture.
Is it necessary to remove the crust from the bread?
It’s optional. Removing crusts helps the roll ups seal tighter and creates a softer bite, but if you don’t mind a bit of crunch or want more fiber, leaving the crust on works just fine.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the ham and add more cheese or some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian version.
What is the best bread to use?
Soft sandwich bread is ideal because it rolls easily without cracking. White, wholemeal, or wholegrain all work, but avoid very dense or crusty breads which can be harder to roll.
How do I make sure the roll ups don’t fall apart while cooking?
Rolling tightly and finishing seam side down in the pan is key. Also, dipping thoroughly in the egg mixture helps hold everything together and browns the exterior for stability.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress or just want a quick yet indulgent meal, this Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is your ticket to happiness. It’s straightforward, delightfully tasty, and feels a little special every time. I promise once you try making these, they’ll become a regular craving in your breakfast or snack rotation. Give it a go and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness you deserve!
Print
Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups make a perfect savory breakfast or snack. This recipe features flattened sandwich bread rolled around ham and melting cheese, dipped in a flavorful egg mixture, and pan-fried until golden brown. Ready in just 15 minutes, these roll ups are crispy outside and gooey inside, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sandwich Bread
- 6 slices fresh sandwich bread (white, wholemeal, or wholegrain)
Fillings
- 3 slices of melting cheese
- 2 small slices of ham (about 50g / 1.5 oz)
Egg Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk (full cream or low fat)
- Pinch of salt
Cooking
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Optionally, cut the crusts off the bread slices to make rolling easier and the texture more uniform.
- Flatten the Bread: Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread evenly. This makes rolling more manageable and helps create a tight roll.
- Add Ham: Divide the ham between the flattened bread slices and lay it out in a strip about 1cm (1/3″) wide along the bottom edge of each slice. Trim if necessary to fit neatly.
- Add Cheese: Top each strip of ham with 2 slices of melting cheese or scatter grated cheese evenly over the ham.
- Roll the Bread: Starting from the bottom edge with the fillings, tightly roll up the bread slices and finish with the seam side down to keep them sealed.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Heat the Pan: Place the butter in a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until melted and slightly bubbling.
- Coat Roll Ups: Dip each roll up in the egg mixture, rolling to coat all sides thoroughly to ensure a crunchy, golden exterior.
- Cook the Roll Ups: Place all the coated roll ups in the heated pan. Cook each side for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, turning 90 degrees after each interval to brown all four sides evenly.
- Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the roll ups from the pan and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Crusts can be left on or removed depending on preference for texture.
- Use any melting cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss.
- For a healthier option, use whole grain bread and low-fat milk.
- Ensure the pan is hot enough to brown the roll ups without burning them.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a dipping sauce like mustard or ketchup if desired.
